July 30th, 1937 - June 1st, 2019
Our beloved Frank passed away on June 1st, 2019 after a long and joyful life. He was born in Montague, Prince Edward Island, the youngest of eight children, and grew up in a very busy household in Cardigan PEI. While Frank ultimately settled in Windsor, 1300 miles away, PEI remained close to his heart and he returned every summer with his wife and children to enjoy time with the extended Macdonald clan.

After obtaining a B.Sc. degree from St. Dunstan's University, PEI, he then obtained a Master’s of Social Work from Carleton, Ottawa. His chosen profession in Social Work led him to Windsor in 1963 to work as a counsellor at Catholic Family Services. He ultimately became the Executive Director, a position he held for more than 30 years until his retirement in 2001.

Frank was an avid sailor whose love for the sport began as a child on the family boat sailing on Cardigan Bay. In Windsor, he was an original member of South Port Sailing Club, where he spent countless happy hours with friends and fellow sailors, and also served as the Commodore. He sailed a Y Flyer and then a Shark. Whether it was racing on Wednesday evenings or going for a leisurely sail with his wife, he was never happier than when he was “out on the boat”. In the winter, he traded his sails for skis and hit the slopes of Michigan as often as possible with friends or his children.

Frank was a kind and gentle man whose compassionate and accepting nature was evident to all he encountered. While he enjoyed gatherings, he was also content with his own company. He spent many hours in his basement workroom crafting lovely wooden pieces that fill his home. Many of the toys that he built for his children have endured to entertain his grandchildren.

In 2018, Frank celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with the love of his life Catherine Macdonald. His family was definitely the centre and main focus of his life. His memory will always be cherished by his wife Cathy; children David (Karen) and Gillian (Mladen Barbaric); grandchildren Maya and Elliot Macdonald, Abigail and Owen Frank Barbaric; brother Ernest (Marie) Macdonald; sisters-in-law Bernadette and Edna; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Irene Macdonald; and siblings Ronan (Mary), Jean, Kent (Mary), John S., Fr. Clare and Fr. Andrew. He was a brother-in-law to the Costigan family: Tim (Carol), Dan (Gloria), Peg Eizinas (Al), Jim (late Melissa), and Gerry (Charlene).

Our family is grateful for the love and support of family, friends, Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, Amy’s Helping Hands, and the front line staff at the Villages of Aspen Lake who provided such loving care to Frank in recent years.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County or to the research program at the Alzheimer's Society of Canada would be appreciated by the family.

Visiting Thursday June 6, 2019 from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. On Friday June 7, 2019 friends are invited to join the family from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at FAMILIES FIRST, 1065 Lauzon Rd., East Windsor, 519-969-5841